PACQUIAO AND POLITICS (PART VI)
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 14 Oct 2015
The ruling administration Liberal Party did not include Congressman Pacquiao in is 12-man senatorial line-up in the so-called "Daang Matuwid Coalition" backed by President Benigno S. Aquino III when they were presented last Monday, October 12, 2015. The reason could be the fighting solon has previously expressed his intention to support Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in the event he will run as President.
Pacquiao was quoted in a radio interview that it was "embarrassing" for him not to support Duterte because both of them are from Mindanao. But in a latest development, he denied of supporting any political party yet.
Duterte decided not to run for the presidency in a press conference last Monday. "If Inday Sara agrees to run for Mayor, I will retire at the end of my term in 2016. If she does not, the option to be Mayor again is on the table," declared Duterte.
Pacquiao did not reply on the question whether or not he will run as independent candidate. "You will know on Friday," he answered.
He will file his certificate of candidacy on October 16, Friday, the deadline for the filing of candidates for all national and local elective positions.
The 12 senatorial candidates for the administration party includes the following:
Senate President Franklin Drilon
Senate President pro-tempore Ralph Recto
Senator Teofisto Guingona III
Former senator and former food security czar Francis Pangilinan
Former senator and former Yolanda rehabilitation chief Panfilo Lacson
Outgoing Justice Secretary Leila de Lima
Former Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla
Outgoing TESDA Director General Secretary Joel Villanueva
TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid
PhilHealth Director and former Akbayan Representative Risa Hontiveros
COOP NATCCO Party List Representative Cresente Paez
DILG Assistant Secretary for Muslim Affairs and Special Concerns and former Maguindanao officer-in-charge Nariman Ambolodto
As of now, Pacquiao is in New York to receive the Asia Game Changer Award. He will be awarded together with other individuals of greater achievements in their respective fields of endeavor. They will receive their awards on October 13, 2015 at the United Nations from the Asia Society.
Pacquiao is chosen as one of the prestigious awardees "for using his sport and his star power as forces for good in the fields of education and human trafficking."
The other awardees include 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics awardees Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, and Shuji Nakamura, the developers of the light-emitting diode or LED bulb; Chanda Kochhar of the Indian banking industry; Lei Jun, known as China?s Steve Jobs; Queensland Ballet artistic director Li Cunxin, who was one of China?s top ballet dancers; Indian comedian and activist Aasif Mandvi; Mariam al-Mansouri, one of the first women to join the United Arab Emirates Air Force known as ?Lady Liberty? and ?ISIS?s nightmare? in the social media; and Indian interior designer Kiran Bir Sethi.
?The Asia Game Changer Award recognizes those making a transformative and positive difference for the future of Asia and the world. This award recognizes extraordinary global game-changers with a widespread influence,? said Asia Society Philippines Executive Director Suyin Liu Lee as quoted by rappler.com.
?Manny is a multi-faceted individual who has used boxing to link people together and as an avenue for education. Rising from his humble beginnings, he is the epitome of bringing out the best in a person,? Lee added.
?The award describes me as a world famous boxer and humanitarian force. It makes me sound like a superhero. But I am not. In reality, I am but a man blessed by God,? replied Pacquiao during the interview before his departure for New York.
The award is an addition to the several recognitions the eight-division world champion has harvested in his very colorful life. It is an added feather to his cap and will boost his quest for a senatorial post.
When asked if his priority is to remain in boxing or to become a senator, Pacquiao answered: ?I?ve been boxing for more than 20 years. Maybe I?ll give it one more fight, then I?ll be ok."
"I prayed to God for guidance and I am happy about it, said Pacquiao in another interview. "I will not be absent because the whole country would be my responsibility."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
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